How we heat our homes is not only increasingly more expensive but it can also be a source of greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change.

A Bill is being proposed for the Scottish Parliament which, if passed, would establish new laws around the heating systems that can be used in homes and places of work.

It is proposed to:

• reconfirm that the use of polluting heating systems will be prohibited after 2045
• require those purchasing a home or business premises to end their use of polluting heating systems within a fixed period following completion of the sale
• introduce a new law that will require homeowners to make sure that their homes meet a reasonable minimum energy efficiency standard by 2033
• require private landlords to meet this minimum energy efficiency standard by 2028

As part of this process people in Orkney and Shetland are being urged to attend an online session at 11:00 on Tuesday 5 March 2024 to learn more about what could be included in the Scottish Government’s Heat in Buildings Bill and share opinions to help shape the final Bill.

The sessions are open to homeowners or tenants of privately owned homes, plus any type of owner or tenant of a non-domestic building. 

They are not open to social housing and new build homes as these are not within the scope of this consultation as they are subject to separate guidance and regulations.  

People can find out more about the online session and book a place at Heat in Buildings consultation event: Orkney Islands & Shetland Islands Tickets, Tue 5 Mar 2024 at 11:00 | Eventbrite

Details of two other sessions taking place which people from Orkney Islands or Shetland Islands could attend can be found on Eventbrite too – Heat in Buildings consultation events | Eventbrite

The 65-minute session is being delivered by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful, on behalf of the Scottish Government to support the consultation and allow people to engage further with the process.

Zero Carbon Buildings Minister Patrick Harvie said,

“Heat from our homes and buildings represents around 20% of Scotland’s carbon emissions. So there is no route to meeting our legal duty to be a net zero country by 2045 without making the heat transition. Making this transition can also liberate households and businesses from volatile fossil fuel prices.

“We’ve put forward ambitious proposals that represent a step change for how we heat our homes and buildings. We want to hear from homeowners, tenants, landlords and businesses about how we can shape the Heat in Buildings Bill that we will bring forward shortly. Please let us know what you think by completing the consultation and join us at one of our events.” 

The Consultation closes on  8th March 2024. Click on this link to access it and further information about the proposals: Proposals for a Heat in Buildings Bill: Consultation

Katie Murray, Environment and Place Services Manager said:

“Our journey to net zero has begun, and we all have a role to play in learning more about the action we can take to combat climate change, as well as identifying actions we can take.  Heating our homes, especially at this time of year, and during a cost-of-living crisis, is something we all care about. 

“The sessions we are facilitating on behalf of the Scottish Government, will give people the chance to learn more about proposals being made in the Heat in Buildings Bill and to voice their opinions.

“We look forward to welcoming people to the sessions as we host them across Scotland.”

People can find out more about the online session and book a place at Heat in Buildings consultation event: Orkney Islands & Shetland Islands Tickets, Tue 5 Mar 2024 at 11:00 | Eventbrite

Details of two other sessions taking place which people from Orkney Islands or Shetland Islands could attend can be found on Eventbrite too – Heat in Buildings consultation events | Eventbrite